Type 90 is mainly designed to engage low-flying target such as Close air support aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and cruise missiles.

The chassis features six roadwheels with combined torsion bar and hydropneumatic suspension system and CH700 manual transmission.

The turret is made of welded steel armor that protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters.

Over the frontal arc the armor is rated to withstand 14.5mm heavy machine gun round.

Other standard equipment for Type 09 includes air-conditioning for crew and computers, heating and ventilation, and an NBC system that provides protection against the effects of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.